Mespilus germanica (Common medlar)

Botanical name

Mespilus germanica

Other names

Common medlar, Dutch medlar, Minshull crab, Medlar

Genus

Mespilus Mespilus

Species

M. germanica - M. germanica is a deciduous shrub or small tree grown for spring flowers, brown edible fruits in autumn and good autumn foliage colouration.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Spreading

Colour

Flower

White in Spring

Foliage

Green in Spring; Green in Summer; Yellow, Brown in Autumn

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids , Caterpillars

Specific diseases

Brown rot on fruits , Powdery mildew

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Propagation

Sow seeds in a seedbed in autumn.

Propagation methods

Budding, Seed

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Mespilus germanica (Common medlar) will reach a height of 8m and a spread of 8m after 20-50 years.

Suggested uses

Cottage/Informal, Low Maintenance, Wildlife

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Harvest fruit after first frosts, when they are well-ripened and partially rotten.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Mespilus germanica (Common medlar)

Common pest name

grape ground pearl

Scientific pest name

Margarodes vitis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Main pathway; Vitis spp. plants for planting; already prohibited. However; further consideration of other pathways is required.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Mespilus germanica (Common medlar)

Common pest name

Cedar-Quince rust; Quince rust; Rust of apple; Rust of juniper; Rust of quince

Scientific pest name

Gymnosporangium clavipes

Type

Fungus

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

EU regulated rust disease which helps mitigate against introduction. A review of EU regulations will help to ensure that all hosts are regulated.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Mespilus germanica (Common medlar)

Common pest name

Lance nematode; Nematode; Lance

Scientific pest name

Hoplolaimus spp.

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Nematode species potentially affecting a wide variety of crops; prohibition of soil likely to mitigate risk substantially; keep under review in light of interceptions or findings should they occur in the EU.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/